Temperature control is integral to healthy, high-quality sleep. Your body temperature drops during your sleep cycle, gradually decreasing as you enter different stages of non-rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep. If your sleep surface traps too much heat, excessive warmth can interfere with your sleep cycle and leave you feeling tired and poorly rested in the morning.
Cooling sheets can be an effective way to mitigate bothersome heat retention. The best cooling sheets are constructed from breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, Tencel, and bamboo-derived textiles. Some of these materials also wick away moisture to keep you comfortable on humid nights. These sheets are widely available across different price-points, both online and at brick-and-mortar stores.
We’ll dive into materials, weaves, thread counts, pocket depths, and other defining characteristics of cooling sheets. Our picks for the best cooling sheets sold today are outlined below as well as other factors to consider when purchasing cooling sheets.
Cooling sheets are a great investment if you consider yourself a ‘hot sleeper,’ or if your local climate is prone to high heat or excessive humidity. The best cooling sheets are usually made from breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, Tencel, viscose derived from bamboo, and silk. Other important considerations when choosing a new sheet set include weave or knit, size, pocket depth, and cost.
The Best Cooling Sheets
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall
Luxome Luxury Sheet Set
What Our Tester Thinks
Luxome’s Luxury Sheet Set offers the best of both worlds for people who want breathable bedding that also drapes closely to the skin. The fabric has an exceptionally soft and smooth feel, and the sateen weave gives each item an elegant sheen enhanced by the bold color schemes.
Buy From Luxome100% viscose from bamboo
Sateen
$160
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- All items composed of moisture-wicking viscose from bamboo
- Generous pocket depth of 17 inches
- Available in 10 colors and seven sizes
Highlights
- People who tend to sweat in their sleep
- Anyone who owns a mattress up to 17 inches thick
- Those with sensitive skin
Why We Like It
The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set epitomizes everything we love about cooling sheets. Each sheet and pillowcase in this collection is made of viscose derived from bamboo, a material known for exceptional breathability and moisture control. A smooth feel allows the fabric to glide across the skin without coarseness or harsh rubbing, and the silky-soft sateen weave enhances this quality. The set is available in seven sizes. These include standard mattress dimensions as well as a split king size. Twin and twin XL sets feature a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and single pillowcase. Larger sizes include a second pillowcase. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 17 inches, making it compatible with the vast majority of mattresses sold today. For an extra charge, you can add a pair of extra pillowcases to your set. You can also choose from 10 colors, all of which accentuate the sateen weave’s elegant sheen. These include classic neutrals as well as more offbeat options such as sapphire blue, terracotta, and sage. All components are fully machine-washable, though line drying can help extend your set’s lifespan. Affordable pricing and free shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. make the Luxury Sheet Set a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Each order is backed by a 30-day return period. The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set is ideal for hot sleepers thanks to the cooling, moisture-wicking properties of bamboo-derived viscose. A wide color selection and robust pocket depth add versatility to this quintessential sheet set.
Best Value
Quince Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set
What Our Tester Thinks
Quince’s Organic Percale Sheet Set proves you don’t pay too much for high-quality bedding. Each item feels luxuriously crisp at first but should soften with proper care, ensuring above-average breathability and enduring comfort over time.
Buy From Quince100% organic extra-long staple cotton
Percale
$100
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Breathable organic cotton composition
- Percale weave feels crisp and cool
- 365-night sleep trial
Ideal For
- Hot sleepers
- Those who prefer the crisp feel of a percale weave
- Eco-conscious shoppers
Why We Like It
Sheets made with certified organic material tend to hold a higher price-point, but the Quince Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set is a notable exception. The afford set is made from durable extra-long staple cotton that boasts a Global Organic Textile Standard certification, and it has an affordable price-point. This makes it a great choice for eco-friendly shoppers on a budget. The organic cotton is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, making it a great option if you tend to sweat at night or live in a humid climate. The material’s cooling properties are enhanced by a percale weave with a crisp hand feel. Five standard sizes are available: twin, full, queen, king, and California king. Twin sets come with one pillowcase, while the rest come with two. All sets come with a flatted sheet and a fitted sheet that accommodates mattresses up to 16 inches thick. Every item is fully machine-washable. Wash in cool water on a gentle cycle, and tumble dry on low heat. You can choose between five colors, ranging from neutrals to baby blue. Quince offers free shipping to customers in all 50 states. You can return the sheets anytime after 365 days of delivery for a full refund. Quality cooling materials at an affordable price-point make the Quince Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set a great option for hot sleepers. Eco-conscious shoppers will also appreciate the GOTS certification.
Best Luxury
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
What Our Tester Thinks
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set offers exceptional softness and moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry on humid nights. We recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys bedding that drapes closely to the body.
Buy From Cozy Earth100% Viscose from Bamboo
Sateen
$319
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Silky-smooth viscose from bamboo sleeps cool and drapes closely
- Fabric is engineered to resist pilling
- 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty
Ideal For
- Those who prefer soft sheets that drape closely
- Anyone who owns a mattress up to 18 inches thick
- People with sensitive skin
Why We Like It
If you’re shopping for bedding with a flexible budget, the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set delivers premium quality and excellent longevity. The expensive sticker price reflects a high-end design, but the sheets and pillowcases in this collection are engineered to maintain a smooth feel without pilling. In fact, pilling is covered under the manufacturer’s 10-year warranty. A sateen weave accentuates the silky-soft feel, resulting in sheets that drape closely to the body, but the fabric’s breathability and moisture-wicking properties help prevent overheating. The result is a sheet set ideal for year-round use, insulating from the cold on chilly nights and keeping you cool in hot or humid conditions. The viscose also glides gently, making these sheets a good choice for people with sensitive skin. Six sizes are available. This range covers all standard mattress dimensions plus split king. You can also choose from five neutral colors. Every component in the set is fully machine-washable and stain-resistant. A generous pocket depth of 18 inches ensures the fitted sheet is compatible with most mattresses. Cozy Earth offers free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. In addition to the 10-year warranty, your Bamboo Sheet Set is backed by a sleep trial spanning 100 nights. Free returns and exchanges are available during this time frame. The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set epitomizes luxury and exceptional quality, with a lengthy trial and warranty coverage period to back up the high-end price. Viscose from bamboo composition and a sateen weave ensure a soft, breathable feel.
Softest
Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets
What Our Tester Thinks
Sweet Zzz’s Organic Bamboo Sheets should check all the important boxes if you want bedding that’s soft, drapey, breathable, and long-lasting. Sustainable sourcing is another nice touch for those who prefer to buy and use eco-friendly products.
Buy From Sweet Zzz100% GOTS-certified viscose from bamboo (400TC)
Sateen
$230
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Organic, bamboo-derived fabric is soft and eco-friendly
- Durable composition reduces pilling and other wear and tear over time
- Available in five colors and seven sizes
Ideal For
- People who reside in hot or humid locations
- Anyone who owns a mattress up to 14 inches thick
- Those with acne, eczema, and other conditions that cause sensitive skin
Why We Like It
Exceptionally soft sheets aren’t always the best choice for hot sleepers because they drape closely to the body, trapping heat in the process. Excessive warmth shouldn’t be an issue with the Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets, though. Breathable, moisture-wicking viscose derived from bamboo is used to construct each item in the collection, while a midrange thread count of 400 ensures the fabric is fairly lightweight. Another appealing aspect of this sheet set is its environmentally friendly design. The fabric is certified as organic, meaning the bamboo is grown without GMOs or chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This makes Cozy Earth one of the only brands to sell bamboo-derived sheet sets with this distinction. Seven sizes are available for the sheet set, including all standard mattress dimensions as well as split king. You can also choose from white, silver, sand, taupe, and light blue for your color scheme. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 14 inches, so make sure to measure your mattress’ thickness before purchasing the set. Thanks to an approachable price-point and free shipping for all orders, the Organic Bamboo Sheets are suitable for most shoppers regardless of their budget. You can also add two extra pillowcases to your order for a small upcharge. Your purchase comes with a 50-night trial period, and the sheets are further backed by a lifetime warranty. Sweet Zzz’s Organic Bamboo Sheet Set is a supremely soft bedding collection that also provides excellent cooling. The sustainable design should also appeal to eco-conscious shoppers.
Best All-Season
Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set
What Our Tester Thinks
Brooklinen’s Classic Core collection is the quintessential cotton percale sheet set, offering an initially crisp, breathable design and softening over time for a more lived-in feel. Approachable pricing and a year-long sleep trial further sweeten the deal for budget-conscious shoppers.
Buy From Brooklinen100% Long-Staple Cotton
Percale
$179
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Crisp, breathable cotton percale gradually softens over time
- Extensive color and pattern selection
- All orders include a 365-night trial period
Ideal For
- People who prefer bedding with a crisp hand-feel
- Those who own mattresses up to 15 inches thick
- Shoppers looking for sheet sets with long trial periods
Why We Like It
The Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set features sheets and pillowcases made of pure cotton in a percale weave. Percale bedding is crisper and more breathable than sateen, but this weave allows the cotton fibers to relax over time and become softer with each laundry cycle. Long-staple cotton is used for this set, ensuring a longer-than-average lifespan for your bedding. The set is available in six sizes that correspond to standard mattress dimensions. Twin and twin XL sets feature a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and single pillowcase, while larger sizes incorporate all of these items as well as a second pillowcase. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 15 inches. You can also choose from a wide range of designs, including solid colors, stripes, and floral patterns. The Classic Core bundle is Brooklinen’s standard sheet set. Shoppers can also select the smaller Starter Set with a fitted sheet and two pillowcases. Conversely, the Classic Hardcore includes all the elements of the Classic, plus a matching duvet cover and two extra pillowcases. Lastly, the Move-In Bundle consists of Classic Hardcore items in addition to a comforter and two pillows. The Classic Core Sheet Set is a good option for shoppers with limited budgets. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. Brooklinen’s sleep trial is exceptionally generous, giving you up to one year to test out the sheets and decide whether they’re right for you. Those who keep their set receive another year of manufacturer’s warranty coverage. The Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set consists of long-staple cotton percale bedding with an invitingly crisp feel that gradually becomes softer with age. Affordable pricing and a lengthy sleep trial are added perks for buyers.
Best Temperature Control
Miracle Made Sheet Set
What Our Tester Thinks
Silver-infused cotton and a crisp percale weave help ensure excellent thermoregulation for the Miracle Sheet Set – Signature. Each item in this collection has an exceptionally soft feel compared to other percale bedding we’ve tested, but we found the sheets and pillowcases still excel at breathability and temperature control.
Buy From Miracle MadeCotton, silver fiber
Percale
$159
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Supima cotton blended with silver is exceptionally soft and long-lasting
- Excellent cooling thanks to a crisp, breathable percale weave
- Silver fibers intended to reduce odor and keep the sheets fresh
Ideal For
- People who find sateen sheets excessively warm
- Sleepers who own mattresses up to 16 inches thick
- Those who want to invest in durable bedding
Why We Like It
Good temperature control is a defining characteristic of cooling sheets, but some excel in this area more than others. The Miracle Sheet Set – Signature (Percale) achieves excellent thermoregulation thanks to its Supima cotton fabrication and breathable percale weave. Since Supima is a long-staple cotton variety, the fabric should hold up well over time. The percale creates an initially crisp hand-feel, but over time the fabric will soften. The cotton is woven with silver fibers designed to minimize odors, so your sheets and pillowcases should usually smell fresh. Each item is fully machine-washable and easy to clean as needed. Twin size sets feature a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one pillowcase. Larger sizes add a second pillowcase to the mix. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth makes it compatible with any mattress up to 16 inches thick. You can also choose from three neutral colors. The Miracle Sheet Set – Signature (Percale) carries a price-point that falls well below average for Supima cotton bedding, and shipping is free of charge for all U.S. orders. You can return the set within 30 days. Should you decide to keep your sheets, Miracle backs each set with a five-year warranty. Supima cotton and a percale weave ensure excellent cooling for the Miracle Sheet Set – Signature (Percale). A silver infusion with odor-controlling properties is an added bonus for sleepers.
Best Organic
Homebird Cool and Crisp Percale Sheet Set
What Our Tester Thinks
The Homebird Cool and Crisp Percale Sheet Set definitely lives up to its name. Each item should soften over time as the cotton fibers relax while retaining excellent breathability and temperature control.
Buy From Homebird100% GOTS-certified long-staple organic cotton
Percale
$140
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Long-staple organic cotton offers exceptional durability
- GOTS certification ensures sustainably sourced fibers
- Available in eight colors
Ideal For
- Hot sleepers
- Anyone who owns a mattress up to 16 inches thick
- Consumers who prefer to buy and use eco-friendly products
Why We Like It
If you’re in the market for high-quality sheets that are sustainably produced, Homebird’s Cool and Crisp Percale Sheet Set checks both boxes. Each item is composed of long-staple cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, one of the world’s leading authorities for eco-friendly fabrics. The cotton is also highly durable and should hold up well over time with minimal pilling and good resistance to wear and tear. A percale weave gives the bedding an initially crisp feel that softens with subsequent laundry cycles. As the set’s name implies, the items are also highly breathable — percale sheets tend to sleep cooler than those made with a sateen weave. Thermal body-mapping technology during our hands-on testing confirmed the set’s excellent temperature control. Full, queen, and king sizes are available. Each set includes a fitted sheet and two pillowcases, with flat sheets sold separately. The fitted sheet’s 16-inch pocket depth makes the set compatible with most mattresses sold today. You can also choose from eight different color palettes. To launder the sheet and pillowcases, simply machine wash in cold water with similar colors, then tumble dry on low heat. Removing the items as soon as the drying cycle is finished will help minimize wrinkling. Homebird offers free ground shipping throughout the U.S. and Canada. Each order includes a return period that runs for 45 nights. Each component of the Cool and Crisp Percale Sheet Set must be unused and unwashed with original labels intact to qualify for a refund.
Why You Should Trust Us
Each member of TheSleepDoctor.com team brings years of sleep-related experience and expertise to our hands-on product tests. We personally evaluate every item that appears in our sleep product guides. Our testers run the gamut of body types, sleep positions, and personal preferences to ensure our ratings and recommendations are inclusive of all sleepers.
We test all sheets using the same mattress for objectivity’s sake. To choose our best cooling sheets, we evaluated each set for qualities like breathability, heat retention, and moisture control. Additionally, we chose our top picks based on other factors such as material quality and durability, pocket depth, ease of cleaning, and price.
What Are Cooling Sheets?
Cooling sheets is a catchall term for bedding that promotes breathability and temperature control. Material, weave, and thread count all play a role in cooling. In general, cooling sheets are lightweight and don’t hug the body too closely. Common materials for cooling sheets include cotton, linen, Tencel, and rayon or viscose derived from bamboo.
In contrast, non-cooling sheets have the opposite effect. They are designed to retain heat and insulate you from the cold. While these sheets can be helpful — and even necessary at times — they won’t be very practical during hot or humid times of the year.
Aside from their composition, cooling sheets don’t differ much from regular sheets. Cooling sheet sets typically consist of a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one or two pillowcases. Some larger bundles feature additional components such as duvet covers and comforters. While certain cooling materials tend to drive up price-points, cooling sheets aren’t necessarily more expensive than non-cooling sheets.
Who Are Cooling Sheets Best for?
People who naturally sleep hot can greatly benefit from cooling sheets. Many sheets feature materials that wick moisture away from the body, which can be helpful for people who frequently sweat in their sleep. Others who can benefit from cooling sheets include people who reside in relatively arid or humid climates, pregnant individuals, and those who experience hot flashes.
How Much Do Cooling Sheets Cost?
Cooling sheets can fall anywhere from less than $50 to more than $400. A lot of factors play a role in the price of new sheets. These include the quality of materials, the number of items in the sheet set, the size of the items, and the brand.
How Long Do Cooling Sheets Last?
The average sheet set lasts three years, but material composition is key. Many cooling fabrics for sheets are associated with above-average durability. These include Egyptian cotton, Supima cotton, linen, silk, and bamboo-derived textiles. With proper cleaning and care, sheet sets made from any of these materials can last five years or longer.
Which Materials Are Best for Cooling Sheets?
While many materials can be used for sheets, certain components are associated with above-average cooling. We’ve outlined some of the most common materials for cooling sheets below. This is not an exhaustive list, but reflective of most cooling sheet sets you’ll encounter during your search.
Bamboo
Bamboo can be used to produce fabrics such as rayon, viscose, lyocell, and linen. These materials are typically soft and smooth with excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Since bamboo grows quickly and doesn’t need much fertilizer, these textiles are also considered relatively sustainable and eco-friendly.
The biggest downside to bamboo sheets is that they tend to be somewhat expensive compared with other types of bedding. Almost all bamboo sheets are constructed with sateen weaves.
Linen
Linen is derived from flax fibers and known for year-round temperature regulation, resulting in breathability and moisture control during hot times of the year and coziness when temperatures drop. Flax is also a hearty plant, and linen retains the durability of its botanical source.
At first, your linen sheets may have a coarse feel that some people find uncomfortable. The fabric will soften over time, but not enough for people who prefer silkier, drapier bedding. Pure linen sheets can also carry a hefty price tag.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the most versatile bedding materials on the planet. You’ll be able to choose from several types of cotton sheets, including:
- Egyptian cotton: Egyptian cotton is a luxury fabric of the extra-long staple (ELS) variety. The longer the staple, the softer and more durable the cotton generally is, so Egyptian cotton is known for a gentle hand-feel and long-lasting construction. Most Egyptian cotton sheet sets are relatively expensive. Check for certifications to ensure your sheets are 100% Egyptian cotton and not a blend containing small amounts of the fabric.
- Pima cotton: Pima cotton originated in Peru but is currently grown worldwide. Similar to Egyptian cotton, this ELS variety is known for exceptional softness and longevity. Supima is the trade name for Pima cotton grown in the U.S. Expect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars for authentic Pima or Supima sheets, but their durability makes them a solid long-term investment.
- Regular cotton: Regular cotton refers to any nonorganic cotton grown on U.S. soil. This may be ELS or long-staple cotton, both of which are exceptionally durable. Short-staple cotton has a much shorter lifespan and is typically used in cheap sheets.
- Organic cotton: Organic cotton is grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers, GMOs, and other agricultural aids that can be harmful to the environment. Most organic cotton sheets carry certifications from overseeing organizations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Be wary of brands advertising organic cotton sheets without certifications to back up these claims.
- Cotton blend: Most cotton-blend sheets contain cotton and polyester, and some also contain trace amounts of spandex to give the material extra stretch. The ratio of these fabrics often influences the price. Blends mostly consisting of cotton typically cost more than those with more polyester. Cotton-blend sheets are a good option for budget shoppers, but their durability and cooling capabilities may not be up to par with pure cotton bedding.
Silk
Silk is produced from the substance silkworms use to construct their cocoons. Both durable and luxuriously soft, silk bedding is considered a luxury purchase and usually carries a steep price tag. Silk also provides excellent temperature regulation and feels cool to the touch. The fabric has a natural sheen, and many brands selling silk sheets offer a wide range of colors to accentuate the lustrous look.
Tencel
Tencel is a trademarked type of lyocell derived from the wood of sustainable tree varieties such as eucalyptus. Many people enjoy Tencel for its silky-smooth feel and close body draping, but the fabric is breathable enough to resist overheating. These qualities make Tencel a good option for year-round use, and its moisture-wicking qualities are particularly beneficial for summer sleeping. Like bamboo-derived sheets, Tencel bedding almost always comes with a sateen weave.
Which Materials Should You Avoid?
Now that we’ve discussed the best cooling materials for sheets, let’s look at a few that are less suitable for hot sleepers. Materials not recommended for cooling include the following:
Flannel
Flannel is a soft, cozy fabric designed for exceptional insulation. Most flannel sheets are fairly heavy and tend to retain large amounts of heat, making them ideal for chilly nights but less suited to warmer times of the year. That said, many flannel sheets are made of cotton, wool, or a blend of the two. These two fabrics are breathable and moisture-wicking, so flannel may not sleep too hot for some people.
Fleece
Like flannel, fleece is designed to absorb and trap heat, resulting in great insulation in cold weather. Some fleece sheets are derived from natural sources such as sheep wool or cashmere goat hair, while others are synthetic and composed of polyester. Natural fleece offers better moisture control than synthetic fleece, but neither sleeps particularly cool. You’re better off storing your fleece sheets in a linen closet during hot or humid times of the year.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a polyester-based fabric with an ultrafine composition that creates a very soft feel. There are certain benefits to microfiber sheets. They are resistant to wrinkling and pilling, widely available, and typically quite inexpensive. The downside is that microfiber is not particularly breathable, and sleeps hot as a result.
What to Consider When Choosing Cooling Sheets
Shopping for sheets might seem like an afterthought compared to larger bedroom purchases such as mattresses, pillows, and bed frames. However, high-quality cooling sheets can help ensure comfortable temperature control while you sleep, which in turn can lead to more restful nights and energized mornings. Factors to take into account when choosing your cooling sheets include:
Your Mattress Size
Mattresses come in six standard sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Your mattress and sheet sizes should match, though some brands combine sizes for options such as twin/twin XL or king/California king that are compatible with either. Additionally, you can purchase split sheet sets with two fitted sheets if you and your partner use a split queen, split king, or split California king mattress on an adjustable bed.
Your Budget
We recommend crunching the numbers to come up with a realistic shopping budget for your new sheets. Keep in mind that a smaller budget poses more restrictions than a larger one, and you may not invest in sheets with the best quality or longevity. When buying sheets online, also factor in potential shipping costs and restocking charges if you need to return them.
Your Personal Preferences
Cooling sheets are, by definition, a good choice for hot sleepers and others who prefer breathable bedding. Your preferences regarding feel and weight should come into play when choosing sheets based on material, weave, and thread count. Appearance is another consideration. Most cooling sheet sets are available in multiple colors, though the selection for some is more limited than others.
What to Look for in Cooling Sheets
Lastly, let’s discuss important qualities to look for in the construction of your new sheets. Specifications to research before committing to a sheet set include the following:
Material
As we discussed in detail above, many different fabrics can be used to construct cooling sheets. Your shopping budget may dictate which material you ultimately choose. Keep in mind that some cooling sheet fabrics can trigger allergy symptoms, so you should avoid these materials if you have corresponding allergies.
Breathability
Breathability is fundamental to cooling sheets, though some sheets promote airflow better than others. The percale weave is associated with more air circulation than sateen. Thread count — which we’ll discuss next — also plays a role in how light and breathable your sheets feel.
Thread Count
Thread count refers to the number of vertical and horizontal threads within a square inch of fabric. Ideal thread count varies by material. For example, the thread count of Supima or Egyptian cotton should fall between 200 and 400, while 80 to 140 is considered a good thread count for linen.
Lower thread counts typically produce lighter, flimsier fabric, while sheets with higher thread counts tend to be softer and more durable. That said, a high thread count is not the most reliable indicator of quality sheets. This is due in part to misleading marketing claims. Some brands use two-ply yarns consisting of two interconnected threads, then count both threads toward the overall count — essentially doubling the figure without increasing quality.
We recommend using thread count to gauge how light or heavy the fabric will feel. For overall quality and performance, material and weave are much more telling.
Weave and Knit
Weaves consist of multiple yarns that “float” over and under one another, creating an interlocking pattern. A percale weave has a gridlike one-over, one-under pattern. This creates a tight structure that lends the fabric crispness.
Sateen is less uniform. Four-over, one-under is the most common configuration, and it feels looser and softer as a result. Knits, on the other hand, are formed with a single yarn looped through itself.
Feel
Cooling sheets offer different feels based on the material and weave. If you enjoy crisp bedding, then linen or sheets with a percale weave might be the best option. Those who want sheets that drape closely and feel smooth should opt for a sateen weave or silk sets. The latter is likely the better option for people with acne or other conditions that cause sensitive skin.
Ease of Care
Most cotton, Tencel, and bamboo-derived sheets are fully machine-washable. This makes them easy to keep clean. You may also be able to wash linen sheets at home, but high-end linen may require dry cleaning. Silk should only be dry-cleaned. As durable as this fabric is, continuous laundry cycles break down the fibers over time.
However, these are general recommendations. Always follow the instructions printed on your sheets’ care tags, and refer to the brand’s website for additional cleaning tips.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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